There is nothing that spoils your day like sudden tooth pain while you are going along with your day. The pain usually prevents you from doing anything productive for the rest of the day. Hot or cold drinks and food generally trigger the pain. This sudden pain should not be ignored for the safety of your oral health. For a better understanding of tooth pain and sensitivity, we will touch lightly on tooth anatomy.
The tooth is made up of three layers; the enamel, the pulp, and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost layer. Covered by the enamel is the crown, which is the visible white part of the tooth. The enamel’s function is to protect the inner layers of the tooth from disease and infections. The enamel also muffles sensations before they reach the nerves to avoid overwhelming the nerves. Where the enamel ends, the gum-line begins. The gum functions the same as the enamel by sensation shielding and protecting the roots and dentin. The next layer is the dentin. It is a soft tissue containing microscopic tubules. The tubules act as transmitters of sensation to the pulp nerves. Whenever there is an increase in pressure or temperature around the tooth, the tubules in the dentin transmit the sensations to the nerves. A person then feels the sensation from the nerves. The innermost layer is the pulp. It is the most sensitive part of the tooth as it contains nerve bundles and blood vessels.
With all these layers, the dentin and pulp cavity are protected from harsh environmental conditions. Trouble starts when the dentin gets exposed due to weakening of the gum tissue by diseases and infections. Periodontal disease is the most common disease that attacks the gums. It is a bacterial infection that is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria found on teeth that accumulate from food particles that remain in the mouth after eating. Dental plaque can be reduced by regular brushing of teeth or the use of dental floss after every meal. Once the periodontal disease affects the gums, it causes inflammation and weakening of the gum tissues. As a result, the gums shrink back and detach from the teeth leaving the roots exposed. The dentin and pulp found in the roots are thus susceptible to diseases and harsh environmental sensations that travel directly to the roots.
Tooth decay is the other infection that exposes the nerves to the sensations. Oral bacteria found on teeth cause tooth decay. If left for long periods, the bacteria start producing high levels of acids, which attack the enamel creating cavities on the tooth. If not treated immediately, the acid chews threw the dentin until the holes reach the pulp and at this point, the cavities become very painful because the nerve bundles have been exposed. Tooth decay can be treated by performing root canal treatment where the cavities are filled, and the infection is removed.
It is therefore advisable to visit the Spring and Champions Forest Dentists at Forestwood Dental as soon as you start experiencing pain when taking hot or cold beverages or foods. By doing this, you are preventing the underlying infection or disease from progressing into a more aggressive state. You should also practice oral hygiene regularly by flossing and brushing your teeth after every meal. Visiting our dental office for regular checkups and dental cleanings is another way of caring for your teeth. Tooth pain should not be ignored as it may be an indicator of a more significant problem. Your teeth may be trying to tell you something, and you should visit us to check it out.
Emergency Dental Care in Spring and Champions Area
We understand that your tooth pain can occur at any time and day. That is why we are equipped to help you get immediate relief from dental pain during our normal hours. Common emergency dental treatments at our office includes:
- Gum abscesses.
- Pulpal abscesses.
- Swelling, bleeding.
- Broken teeth.
- Pain on biting — often related to infection or cracked tooth.
- Inflammation around wisdom teeth.
- Trauma to tooth from accident.
Forestwood dental office is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:45 am – 6:00 pm.